FILE - This June 20, 2014 file photo taken by an automatic trail camera provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows an adult female grizzly bear in the Cabinet Mountains in northwest Montana. Montana wildlife officials are recommending against a grizzly bear hunt in 2018 after the animals lost their federal protections across a three-state region around Yellowstone National Park. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP, File)

Montana recommends against Yellowstone grizzly hunt in 2018

Feb. 08, 2018

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife officials are recommending against holding a grizzly bear hunt in 2018 after the animals lost their federal protections across a three-state region around Yellowstone National Park.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Martha Williams said Thursday the state wants to demonstrate its commitment to the grizzly's long-term recovery.

State wildlife commissioners will consider the matter Feb. 15.

An estimated 700 grizzly bears roam the Yellowstone region of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho — up from an estimated 136 when they were given protections in the mid-1970s.

Federal officials lifted protections last year, opening the door to hunts for the first time in decades.

Wyoming game commissioners last month said they want grizzly hunting regulations to be drafted. That means hunting could begin this fall.